Superbooth 2026: Nonlinear Labs has previewed the C25, the evolution of the C15 phase modulation Synthesizer.
Ten years ago, Nonlinear Labs, founded by Stephan Schmitt (NI founder), introduced the innovative C15 phase modulation Synthesizer. It stands out primarily for its striking, distinctive interface.
Ten years later, Nonlinear Labs has unveiled the C25—the evolution of the C15 synthesizer.
Nonlinear Labs C25 Key Points:
- same phase modulation engine but room for new engines
- new design with an all-new interface with less buttons but more knobs and touch interface
- new interface with visual feedback of the parameters
- easier navigation
- removable right side panel with the ability to change the engine (now Phase22)
- TP/8S upgraded keyboard with continuous sensors
- two touch sliders for pitch and mod wheels
With the touring musician in mind, the C25 comes in a compact, lightweight and robust housing. Most of the components are manufactured in Europe with a passionate focus on durability and sustainability.
The C25 is designed to serve as a platform for future developments and will also support synthesis or effect engines from third-party developers. Therefore it remains adaptable and up-to-date in the long term.
Like the C15, it’s a 48-voice polysynth that combines phase-modulation/FM, waveshaping, physical modeling, and subtractive synthesis. It can be configured in splits or layers.
It has a unique feedback signal routing with two groups of five audio effects. It also features a built-in recorder that captures hours of lossless audio.
The 24 selection buttons provide quick access to all synth engine components, opening the corresponding parameter page on the screen. The button labels are printed on a replaceable overlay. This allows the user interface to be configured for different synth or effect engines.
Nonlinear Labs C25 is planned for 2027 with price tag around 3500€.
More information here: Nonlinear Labs
Would love to see them add sampling capabilities in the future.
I think the idea of sampling is missing the idea of what Phase 22 synthesis is all about. I struggle to imagine how (or why) a sample could be integrated into the signal architecture.
This is really interesting.
I have the C15, and I think it’s one of the best musical instruments ever made — not just one of the best synths, but one of the best musical instruments. It makes sounds that nothing else is capable of making. But it’s very expensive and therefore inaccessible to many musicians. I bought mine used at a steep discount.
I’m interested in the C25 because that screen is much better and the UI accompanying it could be simpler. The UI on the original actually is quite good, but this one has even more potential.
the original had no midi. does this have midi or. mpe?
yes
Wrong — MIDI yes, MPE no.
the keybed is poly aftertouch and almost full touch like the Arturia Polybrute 12
I don’t understand why it’s so hard for people admit they’re wrong about something, particularly when you’re potentially misleading them into spending a great deal of money expecting one thing and they get another. MPE, Arturia Full Touch and poly aftertouch are three distinctly different thing.
We know what MPE is — devices like the Osmose, Roli Seaboard, Erae and Linnstrument are full MPE. The C15 CANNOT do that.
We know what Full Touch is — and it is NOT just depressing keys deeper. It also includes a Morphee controller, morph possibilities and the ribbon controller. Again, the C15 cannot do all of that either.
I have the C15, the PB12 and a Hydrasynth with poly aftertouch. They are three distinctly different things, and the C25 is like the third and not like the first or second.
The Nonlinear Labs website doesn’t even claim MPE. It states: “The keys become polyphonic modulation sources, offering control by the vertical position of the key, its velocity or the aftertouch pressure.” In other words, you are claiming functionality that even the company itself is not claiming.
This leads me to believe either you don’t actually know what MPE is, or you do know what it is but are being deliberate dishonest — and unfortunately I think it’s more the second than the first.
I know that MPE and polyphonic aftertouch are two things. I didn’t mention MPE in the article but that keybed has polyphonic aftertouch and that they are using a similar technology as the Polybrute 12.
I was at the booth and talked with the guys + made a little video about where I talk with Stephan Schmitt about it
The C15 also has high-resolution MIDI via USB.
very interesting, I think the original one with the full panel is 5k USD pre-Tax so it’s going down 1.5k USD.
it says it’s the same engine so I wonder if it’s 100% patch compatible. with more room for other engines I guess they’ve actually done a whole revamp in the electronics side.
I hope we eventually see the back panel in fotos just to confirm connectivity.
Photos from all angles can be seen on the Nonlinear Labs website.
I talked to them at the booth and he indicated the C25 will be more expensive than the C15. Anyways I’d trust SynthAnatomy over me but that’s what I was told
will be less expensive because it’s not made by them in their office and that was one of the reason why they made the C25. Video will be out very soon
The original has MIDI over USB; it was sold as a (quite nice) wooden dongle-type accessory, due to popular request, which sits between the C15 and computer. I’ve heard that you can (now) simply connect without the option, I have a C15 and have yet to try that. +1 @Eric, it’s not only a remarkable synthesizer and keyboard but truly in a class of its own. When I made my purchase 5 years ago, I had a great video chat with Stefan Schmidt who, when I asked about poly aftertouch, said that there were no plans to add it to the C15. It now responds to polyAT via MIDI, for my part I would love to see Nonlinear offer the C25’s keyboard as a retrofit.